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<p>TM Insight</p>
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<img alt="Who is new Rangers manager Kevin Muscat? We asked our experts in Australia, Japan, and China" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/football-head-coach-kevin-muscat-1760690713-180631.jpg" title="Who is new Rangers manager Kevin Muscat? We asked our experts in Australia, Japan, and China" />
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<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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Rangers are reportedly on the verge of officially announcing Kevin Muscat as the club's new head coach in the upcoming days. The Herald indicates that the 52-year-old has accepted a long-term contract with the Ibrox club, and a seven-figure compensation has been agreed upon with his current team, Chinese club Shanghai Port. However, Muscat will not depart Shanghai until November 22, as the Chinese football season extends until late November. Neil McCann is expected to join Muscat as assistant manager and serve as interim head coach for the Scottish Premiership club until late November.
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<p>Having had a brief playing stint at Rangers in 2002, Muscat will step into the managerial role at Ibrox fully understanding the significant expectations that come with it. He takes charge following an unsuccessful period under previous coach Russell Martin, who secured only five wins across 17 matches, leaving the club near the bottom of the league standings. Although he has a history with Rangers, Muscat's appointment is seen as somewhat unconventional, given his limited experience within European football thus far. So who is Muscat, the football manager, and what insights can we glean from his coaching experiences in Australia, Japan, and China? Transfermarkt contacted its data scouts in each of these countries to learn more.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Australia: Melbourne Victory (2013-2019)</h2>
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<p>Muscat commenced his managerial career in Australia, starting as an assistant manager at Melbourne Victory after retiring from playing in 2012. Under several different managers— including future Celtic, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou— Muscat was appointed as head coach in 2013, enjoying a highly successful six-year tenure with "the Boys in Blue," earning considerable acclaim around Australian football.</p>
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<img alt="Muscat Melbourne quotes" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/muscat-melbourne-quotes-1760696282-180639.png?lm=1760696300" title="Muscat Melbourne time at Melbourne Victory" width="503" />
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<p dir="ltr">During his time at the helm, Muscat secured two A-League Championships, the A-League Premiership, and the FFA Cup. "Muscat is regarded as one of the top managers in Australia, having won two A-League championships with Melbourne Victory in the 14/15 and 17/18 seasons," noted Klevio, Transfermarkt’s data scout for Australia. “His treble win in the 14/15 season— encapsulating the regular season, playoffs, and Australia Cup— is an exceptional achievement in Australian football.” Over 160 league matches, Muscat averaged an impressive 1.71 points per game, and since his departure, Melbourne Victory has yet to claim another league title or match his highest points total of 53 in a single league season.</p>
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<h2>Japan: Yokohama F. Marinos (2021-2023)</h2>
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<p>After a brief period in Belgium, Muscat returned to management with J-League club Yokohama F. Marinos. Interestingly, his career would again intertwine with Postecoglou’s, as he took over from his fellow countryman at the Nissan-run team. Just as he proved in Australia, Muscat quickly made an impact in Japan's top division, achieving notable success.</p>
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<p>“Muscat holds a strong reputation in Japan,” said Yuta Izawa, Transfermarkt’s data scout for the country. “He is commended for continuing and enhancing the attacking style of play initially established by Postecoglou at Marinos.” Izawa noted: “During his two and a half seasons overseeing Marinos, the team consistently finished high in the league: 2nd, 1st, and 2nd, notably achieving this with limited resources and facing challenges such as player transfers to foreign clubs and injuries.”</p>
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<img alt="Muscat time at Yokohama" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/muscat-time-at-yokohama-1760696392-180640.png?lm=1760696404" title="Muscat time at Yokohama" width="503" />
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<p>While in charge, Muscat's record was impressive: 49 wins, 18 draws, and only 19 losses, averaging 1.92 points per game— a significant improvement over Postecoglou’s 1.63. Muscat led the team to a league title in 2022, along with two runner-up finishes while employing an attractive style of football characterized by high pressing and fluid offensive play from the back. While his third season saw opponents start to adapt to his tactics, there were no major inconsistencies throughout that campaign.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">China: Shanghai Port (2023-2025)</h2>
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<p>Following his success in Japan, Muscat transitioned to Shanghai Port, where he has been at the helm for nearly two years. Although "the Red Eagles" are accustomed to dominating the Chinese Super League— having won five of the last ten titles— Muscat quickly surpassed the records of his predecessor, Javi Pereira.</p>
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<p>“Muscat is held in high regard and is seen as a very successful manager in China,” remarked Zhu Yi, Transfermarkt’s data scout for the country, regarding Muscat’s reputation in China. “He was widely praised for guiding Shanghai Port to a domestic double (Chinese Super League and Chinese FA Cup), earning admiration for his attacking style and strong win record.”</p>
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<img alt="Muscat's time at Shanghai" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/muscats-time-at-shanghai-1760696445-180641.png?lm=1760696459" title="Muscat's time at Shanghai" width="503" />
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<p>Over his tenure at Shanghai, Muscat managed 77 matches, suffering just 15 losses for an outstanding average of 2.10 points per game— the highest of his managerial career and a record for any Shanghai Port manager. Similar to his time in Australia and Japan, his strategy emphasized aggressive, attacking football.</p>
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<p>“His teams were known for their high-energy, attacking approach,” Zhu Yi explained. “This style was marked by high pressing, quick passing, advancing the defensive line, and a general focus on dominating possession.” However, akin to his earlier stints, Muscat's aggressive tactics showed limitations, especially in continental competitions. “The most noted critique was his lack of adaptability, which surfaced during the AFC Champions League, where his high-pressing style led to defensive vulnerabilities,” Zhu Yi added. “This reflects a significant weakness at higher levels of competition.”</p>
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<p>How Muscat’s tactics will translate in the Scottish Premiership, or whether they will enable him to turn around Rangers' fortunes, remains to be seen. However, there is no doubt that the new manager returns to Glasgow equipped with a wealth of experience and a commendable track record from his key coaching roles in Australian and Asian football.</p>
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